The words of the Nine-Tails failed to stir much excitement among the viewers in the ninja world.
Even with the formidable combat prowess of a Jinchūriki, how could there possibly be a solution to the current predicament?
Even Jiraiya, Minato, and the others didn't hold much hope.
It felt like just another flicker of hope that could be extinguished at any moment.
But Naruto's expression shifted.
The pure-blooded Uzumaki could keenly sense the chaotic aura of the Nine-Tails, feeling a mix of surprise, confusion, and a hint of panic.
It was evident that this move held great power.
At that moment, the Nine-Tails wore a perplexed expression, unable to believe it was uttering such words on screen.
Though what Naruto had done in the footage had thawed the ice in its heart, it wasn't a personal experience, and it still fell short of reaching that level shown in the video.
Will this kid really inspire such actions from the future me? The Nine-Tails wasn't afraid, for it meant liberation from its hatred.
In fact, it even harbored some anticipation.
Those who hadn't endured the depths of suffering wouldn't grasp this sense of liberation.
["Truly?" Naruto trembled, his voice barely above a whisper.
He had always placed unwavering faith in the Nine-Tails, yet the gravity of the situation was so immense that hope seemed distant.
The Nine-Tails spoke solemnly, "It's indeed a last resort, a true ace in the hole. Considering the alternative of passively awaiting death, isn't it worth a shot?"
"Why didn't you mention it sooner then?" Naruto's voice was tinged with despair.
The Nine-Tails retorted swiftly, "Because it would kill you. You'd die if you resorted to it!"
"Even though it's a death sentence not to act, it still requires courage to make that choice!"
"Whether to employ this method or not, the decision is yours."
Naruto closed his eyes, appearing to meditate, but when he reopened them after a beat, they gleamed with determination.
He was prepared to face death!]
[Kurama, please!]
[Though not a hopeful answer, it's an undeniably resolute declaration!]
The audience beyond the screen was deeply moved.
Even in dire circumstances, not everyone is willing to tread a path that might lead to failure at the cost of their life!
Similar to those facing execution, few would resist till the very end.
In this moment of mortal decision, Naruto merely took a deep breath.
Many spectators even doubted if Naruto was thinking at all!
In those fleeting seconds, he simply summoned memories of his beloved wife and children.
Because, beyond this point, there would be no second chances.
As for the Nine Tails, viewers sensed no particular sentiment.
Though the creature faced death as well, previous disclosures from Uchiha Madara's video hinted at its eventual resurrection elsewhere.
Contrastingly, Naruto's convictions held greater weight.
At this juncture, not even Kushina's anxious pleas could sway him. She could only weep silently, torn between pride and heartache, clutching Naruto tightly in silent agony.
This mother understood that, should the future demand it, Naruto would charge forth without hesitation.
Though reluctant, she respected her son's resolve.
[Naruto gazed at his unwavering partner before him. Despite his own reluctance, he managed a smile and spoke:]
["I'm prepared for this moment."
["Since the day I became Hokage... No! It's more accurate to say, since the day I resolved to become Hokage, I've been prepared for this!")
[The Nine Tails showed no surprise at Naruto's decision. A faint smile played upon its lips, then in the next instant, it clasped its hands together, and a blaze of fiery power erupted!]
[Meanwhile, outside the battlefield!]
[Boom!!]
(The massive cube that Naruto previously struggled to move was suddenly pressed and shot out like a cannonball, soaring through the air for an unknown distance.)
[Amidst the smoke, a crimson meteor, radiating brilliance and power, trailed its tail as it ascended into the sky!]
In the depths of the forest, beside a flickering fire, Might Guy wiped away his tears and displayed a surprised expression.
"What's wrong, Guy?" Kakashi inquired suspiciously.
Might Guy's instincts kicked in: "I just sensed a surge of energy, and Naruto at this moment feels like he's knocking on death's door."
Kakashi gazed at the scene, understanding what the Nine Tails had forewarned before this moment.
If it truly resembles the Eight Inner Gates, then Naruto might meet his end, but there could be genuine hope!
After all, history offers a lesson; Guy of the Eight Gates nearly vanquished the legendary Madara!
(…)
(Standing atop a boulder in a commanding stance, Isshiki proclaimed the victor:)
[You shall be devoured by the Ten Tails and become nourishment for the God tree. However, there's no need to despair excessively; all life forms on this planet will be absorbed by the God tree.]
["You're merely differing in the timing of your demise.
[But in this instant, he sharply turned his head, disbelief evident in his eyes!)
[In his gaze, a crimson trajectory was etched against the sky!!]
[And in the next moment, this trajectory descended like a God into the mortal realm, almost instantly before Isshiki!)
[Boom!]
[A gale burst forth, resembling a crimson sun manifesting upon the earth.]
[Simultaneously, Isshiki's silhouette materialized elsewhere, gazing at the fiery crimson glow nearby!)
[He sensed an extraordinary power within.]
[Meanwhile, Boruto also opened his eyes amidst the warm red energy, and with a single glance, he beheld the figure bearing the title of Seventh Hokage.]
[Once again, my father stood resolute before me!)
["Fear not, Boruto."]
[Naruto turned slowly, revealing a new form.]
[In this moment, Naruto assumed a humanoid form akin to the Nine Tails.]
[Black fox-like markings adorned his face, a red coat draped over him, and his nine tails swayed gently behind him.]
This sight seemed unassuming, yet individuals such as Uchiha Madara, Itachi, and Jiraiya displayed curious gazes.
For compared to Naruto's previous aura, it was as if sky and earth had undergone a transformation!
If the force of the former Nine Tails mode resembled a broad river, then the current Baryon Mode mirrored water rushing into the mouth of a pot!
Power no longer dispersed, but instead wholly condensed!
Moreover, this was merely a fraction of the changes.
The most crucial aspect lied in its transformative nature. At this juncture, it wasn't solely the Nine Tails' Chakra, but also Chakra continuously generated from Naruto's cells. The two had undergone a remarkable fusion!
Though imperceptible to the eye, ninjas with heightened perception sensed their very souls quiver.
[In the ensuing moment, Naruto raised his head slightly, his countenance calm and indifferent as he regarded Isshiki, who stood in the sky:]
["I shall defeat you next."
["And this shall be your final fate."].
****
Support me on my ko-fi account and read upto 15 early chapters,
https://ko-fi.com/aayume